The idea to install a growler station came after Andrew and his family took a trip to Georgia and South Carolina last February and noticed a similar thing at local convenience stores. As far as he knows, Mendez Fuel is the first gas station in Miami to have a growler fill station.

"I had the idea for a while, but I couldn't put it to pen and paper," Mendez says.

Besides a growler station, Mendez Fuel has been stockpiling its selection of craft beer. It began with a modest rack of craft beers three years ago and has grown into four big racks and two full coolers of craft beer.

Other than beer, Mendez wants the gas station to be a go-to spot for lunch, with a deli and a juice bar, which contains a juicing machine.

Mendez says the other three gas stations might have growler fill stations in the future, but he is testing to see how this one works out. The other three are located at 490 Coral Way, 11870 Bird Rd., and 701 NW 72nd Ave.

"We could have done it a long time ago," Mendez says, "but we wanted a nice show."

David Minsky is a U.S. Navy veteran and Tulane graduate who has experience reporting on stories from California, South Florida, and the Deep South. He has also won some journalism awards. Email or tweet David with story tips and ideas.